Ginger Snaps

Congrats on getting approval. Ask your doctor about losing now. I'm in a similar spot with a BMI of 35.9 but my doctor said it's ok to lose now that it's been approved. And he doesn't require a pre-op diets for "lightweights" at all. Just 1 day of Clear liquids the day before. Best to check with your surgeon. And best wishes!

"Revisit that WW leader in five years. How much weight did she lose prior to becoming a WW leader?" She was bragging how she lost 30 pounds and kept it off for the past 10 years (I think) and she looks like she weighs about 110 now. So, I don't think she completely understands me and my situation at all or obesity in general. I chose not to say anything because I just don't want to waste the energy to argue with people who have already made their minds up. I'm not going to change her and I'd rather just move on with my life since I'll probably never see her again. Although, a little devil was sitting on my shoulder telling me to tell her I'm having surgery and watch her squirm as she tried to wriggle out of what she had just said!

I've had good experiences with the people I've told so far. My kids are like "whatever..." (23, 20 and 14). My ex-husband offered to drive me if needed (I only told him because I knew the kids would). I told my best friend and she's going to drive me (no -- I wouldn't let the ex do that). Even though she's told me she wishes I could try other more natural, holistic approaches to weight loss, she's 100% supportive of ME making MY decision. Gotta love that in a friend. Told one other friend and she just asked questions like "what does it entail", "how much weight would you expect to lose" and "what's the recovery like." I chose to tell these friends because I know that they are non-judgemental and that while they may offer an opposing opinion, they also know me well enough to know I make good decisions and they are supportive. I'm planning to tell 2 people at work -- specifically because they are my "candy bowl" people. They even leave candy on my desk some days if they know I'm having a very stressful day. They are also good friends and might not 'like' what I'm doing but I'm pretty sure they won't try to dissuade me. And, they won't let me have candy from their bowls anymore or leave any on my desk. I agree it's a personal decision and probably driven a lot by your personality. I'm not very good at "fudging" the truth and would rather just be honest and put it out there. But, I don't plan on telling a lot of people beforehand because I honestly don't want their opinions. I'm not letting my decision about surgery be based on popular opinion.

I'm there with you Recycled... I have one close by but went once or twice and didn't find anything spectacular that I couldn't get somewhere else and the prices were a little on the outrageous side.

Woot Woot! Way to go!

I went to a weight loss/healthy cooking class last Friday night with some friends. The instructor was also a Weight Watchers leader and talked a lot about how it just takes the positive attitude, exercise, making healthy food choices, etc. Somewhere along the way, she got on the topic of WLS and said things like "I can't believe people would mutilate themselves..." and all they (we) really need to do is maintain the positive attitude and stick to it" -- "Failure is not an option"... Only one of the friends there with me knows I'm planning surgery and fortunately she didn't say anything because I really didn't want to get into it with this person that obviously knows everything. God knows if Weight Watchers worked for everyone, I wouldn't be having surgery now. It used to be when I tried WW I would lose 10-15 pounds pretty easy in the first 1-2 weeks and then nothing and then gain it all back. The last time I tried it back in October, I didn't even lose anything to start with. I think it's normal to think "Have I exhausted all my options" before turning to something as drastic as surgery. I kind of felt the same way as I dropped divorce papers in the mail "Did I do everything I could to save this marriage?" But if you've researched the surgery and made a decision along with a health professional that this is the best thing for you, feel confident in your decision. Best wishes!

You had surgery to lose weight AND GAIN HEALTH! I can't imagine a surgeon is going to tell you NOT to quit smoking just to keep you from gaining weight. Go for health -- stop smoking and continue sticking to the weight loss plan and you'll end up healthier!

Tigermom -- I'm pre-op so I can't say for myself if exercising slowed the weight loss or not but I would suggest working out so that you build lean muscle and keep your bones strong. If it slows your weight loss a little, I wouldn't worry about that. You're building health, not just losing weight. And, if you're building muscle and losing fat, you'll be losing inches anyway. I know for me, personally, I'm not just looking for a number on the scale, I want the health. So, I'll continue working out.

And BigGirlPanties... food for thought doesn't have carbs, protein OR fat!!!

My primary doctor is so good-looking I have a hard time looking him in the face when I'm there! He has the prettiest green eyes. Think it's pretty normal -- kinda like a kid having a crush on a teacher. Especially if the doctor is one that's got a great bedside manner and acts very caring towards his patients.

Zelda. Looks like we're on the same day! Looking forward To helping each other out until we're on the losers bench together!

Full liquids means no chunks at all. If you are straining everything out and just drinking the liquid, I'm pretty sure it qualifies.

<p>I had the most wonderful mother-in-law in the world. Too bad I couldn't stand living with her son! (She and I are still friends)</p>

I agree with the invisibility... I get that feeling frequently -- like the general public just doesn't even see me there. Wishing you wild success through this journey! “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” ― Nelson Mandela

My psych eval was easy-breezy -- I've been seeing this doc for 8 years for depression, so he knows me. He had a form he filled out -- suprisingly asked me more about what problems obesity is causing me than really talking about my mental health. May have been easier because he knows my history, but I didn't have to do any tests or anything. Your mileage may vary. Ginger

Does your gym have personal trainers? I just joined one about 6 weeks ago and bought a package of personal trainer appointments and it's really been a great experience. They sit down and ask you about your goals and limitations and then help develop a plan just for you. I consider that money spent as an investment in my health, just like the surgery. Best wishes!

Sounds like you're doing great -- don't worry until something comes along that needs to be worried about! Just enjoy the smooth ride so far. Janice -- having a drain depends on you and your surgeon. My surgeon says he almost never does one. But, it might be worth asking your surgeon if he anticipates you will need one. Best wishes!

So I decided to chance it yesterday and tell a friend that I'm having bypass and anxiously waited for her comments. She said, "ok..." and then we started talking about a walking club we're trying to start. Anti-climatic!

Somuch... looks like we'll be on the same date now! Best wishes.

At least you've admitted where you are and you're making steps to change what needs to be changed. Congrats on that! Check in often so we can all witness your success! Ginger

My advice? Make a list of why you want to do this (and include those "vain" things like "look sexy in my clothes"). Try to focus more on why you decided on the surgery and less on what might go wrong. And, try to keep busy with things you like to do -- go to a movie, get outside now that the winter from hell is over, make dates with friends to go window shopping and dream about how exciting it's going to be to fit into all those smaller clothes. It's normal to be nervous but you've probably done all the research and gathered enough information to make a great decision, so go for it!

From experience, I can tell you, if you are dehydrated and get IV fluids you will feel SO MUCH BETTER!!! Sorry you're struggling but you're not a failure... you just need a little help. Best wishes!

Beautiful!

I agree with the trainer idea -- I splurged on ME and bought a package of 8 sessions. I can use them any time I want but I'm going once a week and working out with Amy -- then 2-3 times during the week on my own. It's been really good to get some new exercises and knowing I'll be seeing Amy makes me more motivated to show up even those in between visits.

Please get the help you need! For one thing, I don't think a doctor could drag you in kicking and screaming and reverse the surgery if you didn't want to. And, I can't imagine a circumstance where a doctor would demand to reverse the surgery because you have an eating disorder. They might have refused to do the surgery in the first place, but that ship has sailed. It sounds like you need to get a nutritionist to help you set up a plan for eating success and also see a therapist to get your head on straight about eating to live. Best wishes and let us know how it goes.